For Pioneers' Noble, Tournament provides redemption

Before a midweek practice, Pioneer midfielder Jeremy Noble is taped-up and ready to go. But according to Noble, he's been ready since the clock read "0:00" in the Pioneers' Final Four loss to Syracuse in 2013.

"It sticks in my mind almost every day I get out to the practice field," said the senior captain.

Noble came to Denver as one of the most technically-skilled lacrosse recruits in his class. In 2012, Noble tallied 46 points and 23 goals. But after suffering a major hamstring injury during the 2013 season, he didn't play like himself despite making it back onto the field for the NCAA Tournament.

"I don't think I played one healthy game last year," says Noble. "Every day, and every game, that I'm able to step on the field, I have a new appreciation for the game."

Noble is part of a senior class that has seen both of the school's NCAA Final Four appearances, in addition to helping the Denver program reach national prominence. The Pioneers have spent the last months of the season ranked as one of the top-five teams in the country.

"I think he diminishes his impact on the rest of the season," said head coach Bill Tierney. "His frustration last year stemmed from our loss in the NCAA semifinals that we could have won, and he wasn't healthy. He took it personally and he should not have."

"He values being here at DU, and he knows what it means to be a senior."